“
As a continuation of our partnership with Balbir Singh Dance Company, we were privileged to host a day of cultural exchange with Fransisco the director of Casa de las Ideas, Tijuana and DanSer the dance project.
The collaboration was powerful and humbling, reminding us of the beauty found in learning from one another through the arts and the true transformative power of creativity. Our work at ACE seems so small compared to what Tico, Henry and Sara are doing in Mexico but was incredible to spend time listening to each other, sharing stories and being inspired.
- Helen Stott, Headteacher of Allerton CE Primary ”
The collaboration was powerful and humbling, reminding us of the beauty found in learning from one another through the arts and the true transformative power of creativity. Our work at ACE seems so small compared to what Tico, Henry and Sara are doing in Mexico but was incredible to spend time listening to each other, sharing stories and being inspired.
- Helen Stott, Headteacher of Allerton CE Primary ”
Hilary's Poem
Gary Beacon was invited to come to Durham to skate
And I-went-to see his performance, which I thought would be first rate.
Of course he danced on rollers, because there was no ice
But still he danced a very fine dance. It was very nice.
Gary-held-out his-hands-towards me. Was he asking me to dance?
Did he really mean it? I looked at him askance.
I was sitting on my rollator. Should I join him on the floor?
Well, I joined him and danced with him and loved it – I was dancing once more.
Now Gary thought that-I-could NOT dance, because he had been told
I had Parkinson’s and also, I was pretty old.
But he took my hands and started dancing,
and he laughed as he gave me a twirl.
I had never ever danced like that for ages, since I was a girl.
Then I moved my arms and upper body. I was dancing in a way,
And Gary leapt up high, skating freestyle. Was it dancing or athletics or ballet?
Then he held-my-walker …as-he-danced beside me.
and he spun me round and round and round and round.
And we kept-on-dancing till I felt quite dizzy,
Was I flying? Or sitting on the ground?
Well, now-I-have a memory to treasure, of dancing on mock ice.
When I think of it, it gives me pleasure, for it was very nice.
When I was whizzing-round the room-I-felt so happy –
I could have danced the night away.
I forgot for a while that I had Parkinson’s……
AND I ENJOYED MYSELF THAT DAY.